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Can you take saffron flowers from the center of crocuses that grow in our backyards from bulbs? Or is this a special kind of crocus?

The only saffron that is safe to use as a culinary spice is Crocus sativus. It is very important that you know which species you have. For example the autumn or meadow crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is very poisonous. Here is a picture: http://www.floralimages.co.uk/pcolchautum.htm and here is more information about meadow saffron: http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/safmea04.html .

For a picture andmore information about the true spice saffron please see http://www.richters.com/Web_store/web_store.cgi?product=X5162 .